Erio: Guess what?

Kai: No.

Jay: Oh, you won the bet didn't you.

Kai: Shut up about it, will you?

Nya: I kind of wanna see what Kai would look like with pink hair.

Wu: It is important to explore the world and all the possibilities.

Jay: OOOOHHH, dang! Even Wu's on our side.

Garmadon: And if you can't enjoy life by having fun, what's the point of living?

Lloyd: Dad? What are you doing here? I thought you were dead...

Erio: He ISN'T supposed to be here. Garmadon, get back into the Dream World.

Garmadon: I guess for me, life is but a dream.

Jay: Ey ey ey, enough chit chat. Less talking, more hair-dying.

Wu: Jay is right. Time is of the essence, and life is short. Make the most of the today, because it is all we have.

Jay (gasps): Oh my God, Wu. Have I ever told you how much I love you?

Kai: Master, why?

Erio: While they're all goofing off and trying to get it to work, I'd like to first say the disclaimer-I don't own Ninjago.

Kai (struggling as they try to hold him down): THANK GOD FOR THAT

Erio: Ahem. Also, thanks to AdikoKoizumi19, KDucky11, and The Night Ninja. You three followed my story. This is only made possible by readers like you. Thank you.

Kai (now emerging with bright pink glittery hair): I hate you so much.

Erio: Alright, that's it. In the comments below, comment how you think we should torture Kai next.

Kai: Wait, what?!

CHAPTER 6:

What am I doing here, in this dark alley? The unreal moon is lifted high above my head as I shuffle down an undescribably dark alley. Shadows lurk and run about. I am not alone, I'm sure of it.

Whatever is out there, it probably knows more than I do. How come I know so little? What DO I know?

I know that I have white hair, though I'm not old. I know I have a dagger, which remains sheathed in a holster at my hip. I'm short and skinny. The dagger has the word, 'PIXAL' engraved into the side. Why is 'pixel' spelled wrong? I bet it's like the name of a gang or something, or a brand. Yeah, probably a brand. Given my simple, average joe attire there's no way I could be a part of a gang.

There's also the fact that none of this feels real, in any way, shape, or form. Maybe I have some kind of mental problem...wait. WAIT. Now I remember. This is the Dream World.

Come on, think! Think back to what could explain why I'm here.

There are...faces. Faces with battle scars, both physical and emotional. Voices laced with malice as they point at me saying, "Don't you get it? Everything is gone!" and "Thanks to you, my high score has been deleted!". They walk away from me when I need them most, when I'm surrounded by blueprints with my chest popped open and a face of depression. They walk up the stairs to leave me in my solitude.

The faces won't go away. They're everywhere, no matter where I go and look. "Not even I would wear that!"

Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop! I don't want to hear it anymore, about how horrible I am and how I cannot do anything right. But am I a bad person? Really, truly?

"Doomed ninja! Your time is over!"

Then, a person is dying in my arms. She looks at me, tears flowing from both our eyes. "We are compatible, aren't we?" Her dying, glitching voice stutters and stammers as she struggles to release her final thoughts and breaths. Then, limp.

These faces, they fight. They fight and argue, over someone or something. Something called 'Nya'. I try to tell them to stop. Nothing happens.

...

Oh. It was all just a hallucination. That's a relief. But what was that all about? So many questions, so few answers.

What's this in my pocket? This small, crinkly material sitting nice and folded at the bottom of my pants pocket?

Reach in, grab, pull it out, and unfold. Smeared pencil ink rubs itself on a piece of paper that has likely seen better days. Dampened, dried, torn, and taped together. Still, it retains some level of readability.

The handwriting is in all-caps, familiar, and chicken-scratchy.

If you're reading this:

Your name is Zane Julien.

Well that's certainly nice to know.

You are in a place called the Dream World.

That, I can definitely recall. I'm in a place called the Dream World, because I was rescued from the brink of death and brought here to create dreams and save people.

You are here because you almost died, but a Council of people believed you would benefit this place. You're a hero, and ninja, and a nindroid. You have ninja brothers. You may not remember much aside from them yelling and arguing, but that's because this place eats good memories. If you're reading this, then it's likely that all you remember are the bad moments.

But your life is not bad. It is wonderful, even if it isn't completely real since you are technically just a dream yourself. You were built by your father, an inventor called Julien. He raised you and loved you like his own.

I...I remember! An old man with white hair and dark spots and wrinkles. Laying in bed, smiling at me. We're smiling at each other. "You're the son I never had." He flips a switch...and then there's nothing.

As you likely remember, he is dead. But his legacy will live on, in you. The other people in your life, the scary faces that shout at you in your memories-those are your brothers.

Certainly not very NICE brothers.

Because of your memory loss, you may not remember all the good times you had with them. So in this letter, I will tell you all of their names and personalities. It won't jog your memory, but at least you'll understand a few things.

First there is Jay. He wears blue, has ginger hair, and has an attitude quicker than the lightning he controls. He's an Elemental Master you see, and as are you. You have an Element you can control. You are the Master of Ice.

Me? Ice? Well...there are vague images of fighting with ice. So cool!

He always likes to tell jokes and see the brighter side of things. He is also deeply in love with another one of your teammates. Her name is Nya.

That thing they were fighting over is...a girl? How trivial. But who am I to tell? I probably haven't ever loved. It's one of those complicated things that no one can really explain, yet everyone is so passionately driven by it. Love, the planet's fuel.

You always had a close relationship with him. When you learned you were a robot, he was there to cheer you up and make you not feel alone. That's exactly why you can't give up on finding a way back to the real world, so you can repay him for his goodness towards you. And maybe, one day you can be the one to comfort HIM in his time of need.

Then there's Kai. Spiky hair, wears red. Hot-headed, short fuse, impatient-you've probably seen that in your memories. What's left of your memories, that is. He's loyal, determined, and headstrong. He'll fight for you no matter what, even if he doesn't have a plan or resources. He can get conceited at times (all the time), but what he lacks in modesty he more than makes up for in love. Passionate, caring, and powerful. It's not surprisng he's the Master of Fire.

Another Elemental Master, huh?

Though perplexed by each other, the two of you compliment one another in beautiful ways. Ways no one could have predicted. You give him advice, and calm him down. He is always there to inspire and encourage you when spirits are low. You must tell him how much you appreciate him.

But given how much he'd shout at me or be upset with me, he probably doesn't appreciate ME very much.

And Cole, the Master of Earth. Black wavy hair, dark skin, wears black. It's not surprising how 'down-to-earth' he is. There is this whole stigma about him being the serious one, and I guess in comparison to the others that is somewhat true. But all formality is tossed aside when you present to him a beloved dessert-cake. He's honest, compassionate, and brave. A lot more cool-headed than the others, and often the one to make plans and instigate action. Will risk it all for the ones he loves. But he suffers from the fear of being alone. He never told anyone, but you could always see it in his eyes. Abandonment, being alone, being forgotten...these are fears he faces. You need to get to him somehow, hold him, and promise that you won't ever leave him again.

And how am I supposed to do that?

I should keep my spirits high. Don't be a donny downer. I can do it. I can and will achieve whatever it is that this letter wishes for me to achieve. Maybe meeting these ninja will help me understand my relationship with them, and form more positive memories to replace the bad ones.

You've known Lloyd for the least amount of time, but there is great power within him. Maybe not even he fully comprehends that. He's faced a lot in his life, and even used to be against you. But after befriending him, you and your team welcomed him with semi-open arms. He grew up fast, and sometimes he struggles to let himself be a kid again. Understandable, considering all the pressure he was made to bear. All the responsibilities and necessities everyone needed from him at once. The chosen one, the saviour, the golden ninja, the green ninja. He faced a million tests, and has so far passed with flying colours. He has swooshy blonde hair and wears green. Meet him, and have fun with him. Loosen up with him. Enjoy his presence, and let him know that it's okay to be immature sometimes and it's okay to slip up.

Maybe for him. My memories seem to tell me that all I ever do is slip up, and that no doubt resulted in my almost-death. The death I still have fragments of memory of, in me. Where my heart explodes, consuming every bit of me. Just at the last second, dark-robed people snatch my ascending soul and drag me here. To this 'Dream World'.

Considering its rundown appearance, I'd say the 'Dream World' certainly does not live up to its name. But I must give it the benefit of the doubt.

Nya is strong. You always suspected that there was something special about her aside from her being Kai's sister, the girl of the group, Samurai X, and a generally intelligent and defiant person. She won't take no for an answer, and seems to be innately good at anything she tries. You owe a great debt to her, for all the times she's saved you.

Perhaps this Nya person will swoop in to save me from this place, any minute now. Any minute now...

...

Nothing. Where is she, where is this hero I was told would come for me? Good things come to those who wait, I suppose. Maybe I'll just sit here in this alley and prepare for her arrival.

As I write this, my memory is slipping. OUR memory is slipping.

Before too much escapes me, I must tell you of the most important person in your life. Her name is PIXAL.

Is this the part where I learn of the name inscribed into the handle of my dagger?

She is another nindroid. The moment you met her your heart felt free. Seeing her, a feeling bubbled inside your mechanical heart that cast all coding and numbers aside. It was love, and hopefully it still IS love. She did not feel it at first, not until she died.

That memory...that was of PIXAL dying? Why must ever love story be a tragic one?

You managed to give her half of your heart, passing on half of your abilities as a result. If she is still alive, I hope that she's a successful part of the ninja team. Not just because of the power you gave her, but the power that already lies within. She is fierce, independent, and loveable. Strong yet soft, it is no surprise you became compatible so quick. I do not know if you remember this, but in your life you had a tendency to be shy and soft-spoken. She was the kind of person that strengthened the parts of you that you lacked. She was bold, but not brash. Brave, but not rash. Honest, not harsh. Everything you could do, she could do better. Not surprisingly, she's one of the newer models. It's hard to describe with mere words, but the two of you have a bond. You, an older android and her, and new and sleek thing. Compatible? Hopefully.

So that explains the girl dying in my arms saying, "we are compatible, aren't we?"

But if she's dead...

You gave her half of your heart, to keep her alive. That way, you'll always be a part of her. And in a way, she'll always be a part of YOU.

The one that killed you is the Overlord. But he is good now, he's on your side. His name is Oscar. You likely remember him, as well as Morro and Garmadon. Talk to them for more information.

How can I trust someone who killed me?

Oscar is meek, shy, and afraid of ninja. It's a miracle the two of you get along so well. His interests are wood-carving/carpentry (DIY projects, the sort), knitting, and working with computers. He's a natural at anything involving tech. He thinks very lowly of himself, but he's always there to keep morale high. He lifts your spirits, you lift his. The two of you are inseparable. Never let him forget how important and valuable he is. You've been with him since the start of this Dream World business. Always kind, accepting, and humourous.

Morro used to be an enemy of your friends, one that came after your time. A ghost, and a grouchy one at that, but still caring and loyal. At the end of the day, he's a powerful entity. A force to be reckoned with. A formidable opponent, or a valued asset. One of the team, regardless of the past he's come from. He says PIXAL is doing well. She's taken your place as the new Master of Ice. I'm so proud of her, and all of her accomplishments. They've ALL accomplished so much. Even Cole, who I'm told became a ghost, has done a lot of growing and improving. I wish I could see them. Maybe I will. Maybe YOU will.

You must find a way back to the real world, back to Ninjago. Do your best. Everyone is counting on you.

Until you read this again,

Zane.

But Zane is MY name. Did I write this? I don't remember writing this. But then again, I don't remember a lot of things.

"What's that you got there?" asks a murmured hiss.

I whip around, pivoting on my heels. "Who's there?! Show yourself!"

A shadow. A silhouette. Darkness shrouding the one thing I want to see. "Aw, how sweet. You've already forgotten me. Normally I'd be offended, but since we forget our pleasant memories I take that as a compliment."

"Who are you? I have a dagger!"

"And I used to be a giant snake," the shadow snarls. "So we're both equally matched."

Into the light.

Wicked hair dances on the person's head, springing with every life-sucking step. Monochrome rainbows slosh about in the undead eyes they're caged within. A cloak, dripping with bitter rancour. "The name's Donovan. Most people call me Nova."

I nod. "Okay...Nova..."

The person growls, strutting up to me. "Don't! You don't get to call me that. Only my colleagues do."

I place my hands on my hips. Isn't she quite the testy individual. Well, I'd at least better give her the benefit of the doubt. "Do I know you?"

She shrugs. "Well sure. We had an awful lot of fun together, all that time ago. Shame how we were always enemies."

Guess I can't lower my guard with her after all. And here I was hoping she'd be my saviour. In a cynical tone I ask, "So why is my enemy here? Are you coming to kill me?"

She holds her chest with a set of monstrous claws, howling with hysteria. "Oh that is TOO GOOD. You really don't remember, don't you?"

I shake my head. Stiff, firm, cynical. I really ought to loosen up. Aside from her death-grip aura, this Donovan person doesn't seem all that threatening. Well sure, it doesn't seem like fighting her would end well. But she looks like the kind of girl who, if she wanted you dead, you'd be killed before even knowing what hit you.

So what DOES she want? Guess I better continue our lovely chat to find out.

"If I kill you, you'll only come back," she says. "Remember Awakening?"

Bam! Thoughts and sparks fly about in the rusted parts of my brain, lighting up a portion of my mind I didn't think existed. Awakening. That's when you die in the Dream World but still have deaths left, and are brought back to your Awakening Place. Like checkpoints in a video game.

...

What's a video game?

"Yes," I answer. "But if you won't hurt me, what do you want?"

She offers me a sickly taloned hand. As grotesque as it looks, it would be rude not to hold it when she offers it. My small, calloused fingertips slip into the sharp edges of her grasp.

"Let's walk," she suggests. "Walk and talk."

I like the sound of that. One conclusion I've come to during my time here is that walking is very enjoyable. Peaceful. Just step after step after step, where you can drift away from all your mind-clutter and replace it with the pleasurable scenery.

My feet are the only footsteps to be heard. She just wriggles along, using the molasses tentacles poking out the bottom of her robe as her chosen locomotive.

How odd. Best not to judge a book by its cover, though.

"How much do you remember, Zane?"

Zane? Oh right. That's me. How could I forget?

I shake my head. "Not much. Just a letter in my pocket that tells me about who I am."

"Don't trust the letter."

"What?"

She slows the pace a bit to allow my squandering legs to catch up. "I said, don't trust the letter."

My eyes squint into a suspicious glare. The letter was quite informative, and rather soothing. I wrote that letter. Why wouldn't I be able to trust myself? "Why?"

"Because, it'll make you think that the ninja are your friends."

"Aren't they, though?"

She stops full-on, and kneels down to face me eye-to-eye. She actually has to squat for it to work. How tall IS she? "Think, Zane. REALLY think. Don't think about the letter, think about what your memories tell you. How much have they fought you or themselves? The yelling, the bickering, the arguing-and all you want is for it to just stop."

Like words from my own mouth. "H-how do you know all this?"

"I know you, Zane. And I've also read the letter myself. I've met the ninja, I've met you." She holds my shoulders, almost ready to shake some sense into me. "Now close your eyes and think about what I'm saying."

My eyelids droop, encompassing me in a field of black.

The faces, they're back.

They're shouting at each other, and at me.

"This is all your fault!"

"No, he's WEIRD weird."

"A teaching moment? What teaching moment?!"

"No sensei, he's right!"

"What are you wearing?"

"This does not compute!"

"This isn't about NUMBERS, Zane. It's about family."

No. No. NO. NO!

Stop getting upset at me, I'm not trying to be bad. Stop laughing at me because I'm different. Stop teasing me because I don't understand. Don't leave me when I need you most, don't turn around and forget about me. You're all too busy celebrating Garmadon's arrival to the good side to help me in the mourning of my father. You're all too busy bickering to even notice I'm here, all the time.

I'm invisible. I'm different. I'm stupid. I'm useless, and old, and broken.

I'm nothing.

...

"Zane? Zane, it's okay."

Huh? Who's there? Oh, just Donovan.

I'm curled on the ground, assuming a fetal position with my face in my knees. Artificial tears bleed from my face, an animal whimper shaking my hollow and unreal body.

She holds out another claw, a hint of a smile on her face. "It's okay, Zane."

Just leave me here, Donovan. Leave me here to die, like I deserve.

"That just shows you how much the ninja are NOT your friends. They don't care about you, or love you. They'll only hurt you if you try to go back to them."

This isn't comforting, Donovan.

She sighs, and strokes my head. "But Zane. I'LL be your friend. Me, Yume, and all the other Shadow Spawns. We can make you one of us. We will care about you, and love you. You'll be our family, and we'll never shout at you or hurt you like those NINJA did."

For something called a 'Shadow Spawn' she sure is nice.

It could be a trap, just like the letter. And I remember a few distinct occasions in which I was facing off against her and an individual of darkness called 'Yume'.

Is it a trap?

"How can I trust you? We're enemies."

She nods. "True. But that was the past. I want a fresh start, Zane. Let's open a new page. We only fought you because you weren't on our side. It was a tragic side effect of you being on the opposing team. But join us, and we won't have to fight any longer."

What a convincing offer.

But the ninja...

...

No. The ninja were mean to me, and each other. They don't care about me. They probably still hate me, now more than ever because I'm dead. But Donovan...the soothing melody she speaks crawls into my ears, and infects my heart with a longing to be loved.

I take her hand.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Okay, Donovan. I trust you."

She helps me onto my feet and gives me a creepy yet comforting grin. "Call me Nova. You're one of us now."

"But I'm not a Shadow Spawn."

She giggles a bit, and begins a brisk walk. "That's exactly what we're about to do, Zane. You're about to become a Shadow Spawn."